LTC (R) James Walter Gentry III, a proud veteran of the US Army and US National Guard, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, after a long illness.

Jamie was the eldest son of James Walter Gentry Jr and Margaret Anderson Gentry. He was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN where he attended Baylor School, and later graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

After graduating from the Citadel, Jamie became an officer in the US Army, serving in both the US and Europe.  After leaving the Army, he began his work with the Tennessee National Guard, serving 34 years in both services. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Jamie is survived by his wife, Joni DiPatri-Gentry, his son William Todd (Brittani) Gentry, and siblings Leland Gentry (Steve) Arnsdorff, Robert Anderson Gentry and Benjamin Clayton (Jennie) Gentry.  Special mention to Pearl Bell, Vern Bell, and Stephanie Owen as additional important people in his life.

Jamie's loved ones will remember him as a generous, kind, and fun-loving man who enjoyed fly fishing, military miniature-war games, and history.  He was especially well-versed in his family history and shared many colorful and interesting anecdotal stories at family gatherings.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home Friday, December 20, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 1: 00 pm.A graveside service honoring the life of Jamie will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Citadel Foundation in memory of James W. Gentry, III designated to the Citadel Appalachian scholarship, which he established, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Service 4506 Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37434. 423.531.3965.